PERTH, Australia, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- A bush fire in Western Australia that began as a controlled burn has destroyed at least 39 homes and damaged 14 more in a prime tourist area, officials said.
The blaze, which began two days ago, has spread over more than 12 square miles in the Margaret River area about 150 miles south of Perth, The Australian reported. The temperature dropped Friday and winds slowed, helping firefighters.
The casualties included Wallcliffe House, an 1865 manor. Businessman Michael Chaney said he and his wife spent a decade restoring the house and building guesthouses in a matching style.
Chaney said the fire started Thursday in the oak shingles. The house contained a collection of antique furniture built by a cabinetmaker who arrived in Western Australia on an early convict ship.
"It's completely destroyed really," Chaney told The Australian after flying over the manor.
The controlled burn turned into a wildfire Wednesday, PerthNow reported.
